Vote For Change, our 50-state, six month voter registration drive kicked off yesterday across the country. Dan Frydman, one of our HQ interns, was on hand at the Chicago event:

A group of Chicagoans stood outside of Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue yesterday afternoon--but they hadn't come to the Magnificent Mile to shop. Instead, these Obama supporters were hitting the streets to make sure that their neighbors were registered to vote.

These volunteers were participating in "Vote for Change," a 50-state voter registration and mobilization drive organized by the Obama campaign. Vote for Change kicked-off yesterday with 101 events held in cities and towns all across the country.

In Chicago, Obama supporters gathered at a Vote for Change rally held at Plumber's Hall at 1340 W. Washington. Speakers at the rally included Congresswoman Melissa Bean (D-IL) and Mayor Richard M. Daley of Chicago. After the speeches, local volunteers received voter registration training, and then headed out to register voters in communities around Chicago.

When the rally ended, I joined-up with the group canvassing around the Magnificent Mile. The volunteers included Obama supporters of all ages, and they were all excited about Barack and his message of change.  The group was also determined to register as many voters as possible, so they too could support Barack and other candidates in future elections.

It was a busy day in Chicago, and within a half hour the group had already registered five voters. The group seemed to be in high spirits, with volunteers chanting slogans like: "If you're not registered, its OK--register today!"

Throughout the day, I had the chance to speak personally with many of the volunteers in our group, including Ralph--a sixteen-year-old Chicago high school student. Ralph had never participated in a political campaign before, but said that he had been inspired by Barack and his message. Ralph first met Barack several years back at a rally, and immediately realized that he was an intelligent and capable leader. He also sees Barack as a man of the people, one who will listen to the problems facing ordinary Americans and fight to fix them in the White House.

Even though he'll be too young to vote in November, Ralph stressed the importance for folks his age to get involved in the political process. "If teenagers get interested in politics and come out and help, our vote might make the difference," he said. "Our vote will count."

Ralph also recognized the historical significance of this year's race and the candidates involved. "This year is the first time we've had an African-American and a woman candidate," he noted. "Either way--history is going to be made."